Ismael, the brigadier who protects Michoacan’s forests – MonitorExpresso.com

Morelia, Michoacán.- The flames grow and advance, the heat is suffocating, the intense orange illuminates the darkness of the night, there is nowhere to run, adrenaline and fear invade Ismael Viveros Zendejas, a forest fire fighter. Ismael Zendejas, who is also a regional delegate of the Forestry Commission of Michoacán (COFOM), narrated how he managed to get out of a voracious fire in the region of Los Cortijos, in Zacapu. I thought I wasn’t going to go out,” says Don Ismael, adding that together with villagers they organized themselves to fight the fire, which was already practically under control, however, the wind that night caused the fire to stoke. It was a big fire, at night is the best time to fight them because the wind doesn’t change and it’s not very strong, so we practically had it under control when the wind changed the smoke enveloped us, we all ran, there was fire everywhere…” Don Ismael remembers, but thanks to his experience he was able to take shelter and get out alive. Don Ismael has experiences like this to tell, having dedicated a large part of his life to the protection of forests and being one of the initiating brigade members with the creation of the Forestry Commission 26 years ago. That is why it has been so important for him to promote the care of nature and by being part of his day-to-day life he understands the value of trees for human survival.” It is not an easy profession, but we have to make a homeland in favor of our forests,” he concluded by inviting all Michoacans to join in the care of our natural resources.

Original source in Spanish